Image forming apparatus and control method for the same

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus has a controller with a first input terminal configured to receive a first signal indicating a state of a first opening/closing portion, a second input terminal configured to receive a second signal indicating a state of a second opening/closing portion, and a third input terminal configured to receive a third signal indicating a state of the first opening/closing portion and the second opening/closing portion. The controller is configured to delay a first notification of an open state of the first opening/closing portion and a second notification of an open state of the second opening/closing portion for a predetermined period after any one of the first signal, second signal, or third signal initially indicates an open state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2020-050656, filed on Mar. 23, 2020, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image formingapparatus and a control method for an image forming apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In the related art, an image forming apparatus is provided with one ormore covers that open and close to provide access to portions of theinterior of the apparatus. Examples of such a cover include a frontcover and an auto duplex unit (ADU) cover. The front cover is opened,for example, when toner is being replaced. The ADU cover is opened, forexample, if a sheet jam occurs.

The image forming apparatus can be provided with a cover switch used todetect when a cover is in an open state. Thus, if the front cover isopened, the open state of the front cover can be indicated on a display.As a related technique, there is a technique in which, when a firstvoice message or a sound is emitted from a speaker if any cover isdetected by a sensor as being open, and a second voice message or soundis emitted from the speaker indicating a particular cover has beenopened.

The image forming apparatus can be provided with interlock switches(also referred to as safety switches) used to interrupt a power supplyof a drive unit in the apparatus when the cover is opened. An interlockswitch for the front cover and an interlock switch for the ADU cover canbe separately provided.

In some examples, a signal line for an interlock switch may be shared byswitches for the front cover and the ADU cover. That is, a signal(safety signal) detected by each interlock switch separately is input toa device controller through a single, shared signal line. The safetysignal can be assigned to just one of the interlock switch on the frontcover or the interlock switch on the ADU cover for design convenience insome instances.

When the image forming apparatus is in use, an open state may bedetected by either one of an interlock switch and a cover switch.Specifically, in a case of the ADU cover, the open state may be detectedby the interlock switch on the ADU cover, and the closed state may bedetected by the ADU cover switch. Thus, if the safety signal has beenassigned to the interlock switch on the front cover for designconvenience, the image forming apparatus may determine that the frontcover is in an open state.

However, if a notification of the open state is performed based on thisdetermination result, the front cover is indicated as open despite theADU cover actually being in the open state. As such, in the imageforming apparatus of the related art, there is concern that a user maybe provided incorrect information regarding the open state of thecovers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts aspects of an internal configuration of an image formingapparatus according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3D are explanatory diagrams illustrating configurations of afront cover and an ADU cover for an image forming apparatus according toan embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating image display examples fora notification screen when the front cover is opened.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating image display examples fora notification screen when the ADU cover is opened.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating image display examples fora notification screen when the front cover is changed from an open stateto a closed state.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating image display examples fora notification screen when the ADU cover is changed from an open stateto a closed state.

FIG. 8 depicts a functional configuration of an image forming apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a notification process performed by an imageforming apparatus according to an embodiment when a cover is opened.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a notification process performed by an imageforming apparatus according to an embodiment when a cover is changedfrom an open state to a closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an imageforming apparatus that provides user notifications regarding variouscover states in a manner preventing the user from misrecognizing thenotification.

According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes acontroller with a first input terminal configured to receive a firstsignal indicating a state of a first opening/closing portion, a secondinput terminal configured to receive a second signal indicating a stateof a second opening/closing portion, and a third input terminalconfigured to receive a third signal indicating a state of the firstopening/closing portion and the second opening/closing portion. Thecontroller is configured to delay a first notification of an open stateof the first opening/closing portion and a second notification of anopen state of the second opening/closing portion for a predeterminedperiod after any one of the first signal, second signal, or third signalinitially indicates an open state.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and a method according tocertain example embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings.

First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 willbe described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external viewillustrating an example of the overall configuration of the imageforming apparatus 100 of an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100is, for example, a multifunction peripheral. The image forming apparatus100 includes a display 110, a control panel 120, a printer 130, a sheetstorage section 140, and an image reading section 150.

The display 110 is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touchpanel. The display 110 displays various kinds of information. Thedisplay 110 receives an operation from a user.

The control panel 120 includes various input operation keys such as anumeric keypad and a start key. The control panel 120 receives variousinput operations from the user. The control panel 120 outputs operationsignals corresponding to various input operations received from the userto a control section.

The printer 130 performs a series of printing operations by usingvarious kinds of information that are output from the display 110, thecontrol panel 120, the image reading section 150, and the like. Theseries of printing operations includes an operation of inputting imageinformation, an operation of forming an image, an operation oftransferring a formed image onto a sheet, an operation of conveying asheet, and the like.

The sheet storage section 140 includes a plurality of sheet cassettes.Each sheet cassette stores sheets.

The image reading section 150 includes an automatic original documentfeeder and a scanner device. The automatic original document feederfeeds an original document placed on an original document tray to thescanner device page by page. The scanner device optically scans anoriginal document placed on an original glass table (document platen),and forms an image based on light reflected from the original onto alight receiving surface of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor. Theimage reading section 150 generates image information (image data) byusing the reading result from the scanner device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configurationof the image forming apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the imageforming apparatus 100 (more particularly, the printer 130 portion of theimage forming apparatus 100) includes four image forming units 20 a to20 d. The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called quadruple tandemtype image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 includesan image processing unit 10, an image forming unit 20 (comprising imageforming units 20 a to 20 d), an intermediate transfer unit 30, a fixingdevice 40, and a sheet conveying unit 50.

The image processing unit 10 receives image information (print data orthe like). The received image information can be generated by the imagereading section 150 or transmitted from another device. The imageprocessing unit 10 performs digital image processing for processing thereceived image information according to initial settings or usersettings. For example, the digital image processing includes a grayscalecorrection based on pre-established grayscale correction data. Inaddition to a grayscale correction, the digital image processing mayinclude various correction processes such as color correction, andshading correction, and a compression process for image data.

Next, the image forming unit 20 will be described. The image formingunit 20 includes the image forming unit 20 a corresponding to yellow(Y), the image forming unit 20 b corresponding to magenta (M), the imageforming unit 20 c corresponding to cyan (C), and the image forming unit20 d corresponding to black (K). The respective image forming units 20 ato 20 d include photoconductive drums 21 a to 21 d, charging devices 22a to 22 d, an exposure device 23, developing devices 24 a to 24 d, tonercartridges 25 a to 25 d, and drum cleaning devices. In the followingdescription, since other than toner color, each of the image formingunits 20 a to 20 d are substantially similar, image forming unit 20 awill be described as representative.

The photoconductive drum 21 a is, for example, a charge-type organicphotoconductor (OPC) in which an undercoat layer, a charge generationlayer, and a charge transport layer are stacked in this order on aperipheral surface of a conductive cylinder made of aluminum. Thephotoconductive drum 21 a has photoconductivity.

The charging device 22 a generates corona discharge. The charging device22 aa uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 21 a.

The exposure device 23 is, for example, a semiconductor laser device.The exposure device 23 irradiates the photoconductive drum 21 a withlaser light corresponding to an image to the particular color of theimage forming unit 20 a to 20 d. Here, the exposure device 23 forms animage on photoconductive drum 21 a corresponding to the yellow colorchannel of the image to be formed. When the exposure device 23 appliesthe laser light, an electrostatic charge on the region of the surface ofthe photoconductive drum 21 a irradiated with the laser light changes.Due to this change in the electrostatic potential, an electrostaticlatent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 21 a.

The developing device 24 a stores a developer. The developing device 24a attaches toner of the yellow color component to the surface of thephotoconductive drum 21 a. Consequently, a yellow toner image is formedon the photoconductive drum 21 s. In other words, the electrostaticlatent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 21 a isconverted to an image formed of toner (yellow toner in this instance).

As the developer, for example, a two-component developer can be used.The two-component developer has non-magnetic toner and a carrier. As thecarrier, for example, iron powder having a particle size of several tensof microns (μm) or a polymer ferrite particle is used. The carrier ismixed with the toner in the developing device 24 a and triboelectricallycharged to give electric charge (for example, negative electric charge)to the toner. The carrier conveys the toner to an electrostatic latentimage portion by an electromagnetic force.

Here, replenishment of toner in the developing device 24 a will bedescribed. When the toner cartridge 25 a is inserted, a drive motor on amain body side of the image forming apparatus 100 and a tonerstirring/replenishing auger 26 a in the toner cartridge 25 a areconnected to each other (note, each toner cartridge 25 a to 25 dincludes a corresponding auger 26 a to 26 d). When the tonerstirring/replenishing auger 26 a is rotated due to rotation of the drivemotor, the toner is added to the developing device 24 a through areplenishing port.

The drum cleaning device includes a cleaning blade that is in contactwith the surface of the photoconductive drum 21 a. The cleaning bladeremoves residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductivedrum 21 a after primary transfer. The removed residual toner iscollected in a storage portion included in the drum cleaning device.

Next, the intermediate transfer unit 30 will be described. Theintermediate transfer unit 30 includes an intermediate transfer member31, a primary transfer roller 32, a plurality of support rollers 33, asecondary transfer roller 34, and a belt cleaning device 35.

The intermediate transfer member 31 is, for example, an endless belt(and may be referred to as a transfer belt). In general, theintermediate transfer member 31 is not conductive and is held taut bythe various rollers. Specifically, for example, the intermediatetransfer member 31 is a belt made of polyimide.

The support rollers 33 a to 33 c support the intermediate transfermember 31 such that tension is applied to the intermediate transfermember 31. The intermediate transfer member 31 is formed in a loopshape. Among the plurality of support rollers 33 a to 33 c, one supportroller (for example, the support roller 33 a) is a driving roller. Therollers other than the driving roller are driven rollers. The drivingroller is driven and rotated by a motor or the like, and thus theintermediate transfer member 31 travels in a direction A in the drawingat a predetermined speed at a predetermined timing.

In view of the constant travel direction A in a loop, relativepositioning of elements along the intermediate transfer member 31 may bereferred to as being in an upstream direction or a downstream directionfrom another element along the intermediate transfer member 31. Forexample, the image forming unit 20 a can be said to be upstream from theother image forming units 20 b to 20 d and the belt cleaning device 35can be said to be downstream of the image forming units 20 a to 20 d.

A primary transfer roller 32 a to 32 d is respectively disposed to facea corresponding one of the photoconductive drums 21 a to 21 d with theintermediate transfer member 31 interposed therebetween. Specifically,the primary transfer roller 32 a is disposed such that pressure isapplied to the photoconductive drum 21 a with the intermediate transfermember 31 interposed therebetween. Consequently, the primary transferroller 32 a and the photoconductive drum 21 a form a primary transfernip with the intermediate transfer member 31.

When the intermediate transfer member 31 passes through this primarytransfer nip, the toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 21 a istransferred onto the intermediate transfer member 31. When theintermediate transfer member 31 passes through the primary transfer nip,a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 32 a.Specifically, the primary transfer roller 32 a is charged with, forexample, a charge having a polarity (positive polarity) opposite to thatof the toner. Consequently, the toner image formed on thephotoconductive drum 21 a is electrostatically transferred onto theintermediate transfer member 31.

The secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed to face the support roller33 a with the intermediate transfer member 31 interposed therebetween.Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed such thatpressure is applied to the support roller 33 a with the intermediatetransfer member 31 interposed therebetween. Consequently, the secondarytransfer roller 34 and the support roller 33 a form a secondary transfernip 38 with the intermediate transfer member 31 through which a sheet ispassed at an appropriate timing to receive the toner image from theintermediate transfer member 31.

When the sheet passes through the secondary transfer nip 38, the tonerimage formed on the intermediate transfer member 31 is transferred ontothe sheet. When the sheet passes through the secondary transfer nip 38,a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller 33 a.Specifically, the support roller 33 a is charged with a charge havingthe same polarity (negative polarity) as the toner. Consequently, thetoner image on the intermediate transfer member 31 is electrostaticallytransferred to the sheet.

The secondary transfer roller 34 and the support roller 33 a areconfigured to be separable from each other. Thus, when a sheet is jammedat the secondary transfer nip 38, a user can remove the sheet.

The belt cleaning device 35 includes a cleaning blade that is in contactwith the surface of the intermediate transfer member 31. The cleaningblade removes residual toner remaining on the surface of theintermediate transfer member 31 after the secondary transfer. Theremoved residual toner is collected in a storage portion included in thebelt cleaning device 35.

The fixing device 40 heats and presses the sheet to which the tonerimage has been transferred. Consequently, the fixing device 40 fixes thetoner image onto the sheet. The fixing device 40 may also employ amethod of fixing a toner image onto a sheet by heating the sheet via afilm-shaped member.

Next, the sheet conveying unit 50 will be described. The sheet conveyingunit 50 includes a paper feeding portion 51, a register portion 52, afirst guide portion 53, a second guide portion 54, and a paper dischargeportion 55.

The paper feeding portion 51 conveys sheets stored in the sheet storagesection 140 one by one to the register portion 52. The register portion52 stops the sheet conveyed from the paper feeding portion 51, and thensends the sheet toward the secondary transfer portion 38 at apredetermined timing. The predetermined timing is a timing at which thetoner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 31 is secondarilytransferred by the secondary transfer portion 38. The first guideportion 53 guides the sheet sent from the register portion 52 to thesecondary transfer portion 38.

The secondary transfer portion 38 transfers a toner image onto the sheetafter the first guide portion 53. The secondary transfer portion 38sends the sheet to which the toner image has how been transferred towardthe fixing device 40.

The second guide portion 54 guides the sheet from the secondary transferportion 38 to the fixing device 40. The fixing device 40 heats andpresses the sheet, and then sends the sheet to the paper dischargeportion 55. The paper discharge portion 55 sends the sheet to thedischarge tray.

Next, configurations of a front cover and an auto duplex unit (ADU)cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D. An auto duplexunit may also be called a reversing unit or a sheet reversing unit insome instances. FIGS. 3A to 3D are explanatory diagrams illustratingexample configurations of the front cover 300 and the ADU cover 310. Asillustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the image forming apparatus 100 includesa front cover 300 and an ADU cover 310. The direction arrow Aillustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D is the direction in which a user directlyfaces the image forming apparatus 100 from the front side. That is,direction arrow A represents the front view direction.

The front cover 300 is an openable and closable cover that covers thefront side of the image forming apparatus 100. A grip portion 305 isprovided on the front cover 300. FIG. 3A depicts the two covers 300 and310 in their closed state. When the user holds the grip portion 305 andpulls the front cover 300 forward, the front cover 300 is opened, asillustrated in FIG. 3B. The front cover 300 is opened, and thus, forexample, the user can replace toner. The front cover 300 is an exampleof a first opening/closing portion.

The ADU cover 310 is an openable and closable cover that covers theright-hand surface of the apparatus when viewed from the front. The ADUcover 310 is provided with an operation lever 315. When the usermanipulates the operation lever 315 and opens the ADU cover 310, the ADUcover 310 is in an open state as illustrated in FIG. 3C. The ADU cover310 is opened, and thus, for example, the user can remedy a sheet jam orthe like. The ADU cover 310 is an example of a second opening/closingportion. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the front cover 300 and the ADUcover 310 may be in an open state at the same time.

Next, various switches will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, theimage forming apparatus 100 includes a front cover switch 301 and afront side interlock switch 302. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the imageforming apparatus 100 includes an ADU cover switch 311 and an ADU sideinterlock switch 312. Each switch is, for example, a button type switch,and is depressed when the cover is in a closed state, and is notdepressed when the cover is in an open state. In the followingdescription, the front side interlock switch 302 and the ADU sideinterlock switch 312 may both be referred to as “interlock switches” ifthese switches are not required to be differentiated from each other.

The front cover switch 301 detects open and closed states of the frontcover 300. The front cover switch 301 outputs a switch signal used todetect the open state of the front cover 300.

The ADU cover switch 311 detects open and closed states of the ADU cover310. The ADU cover switch 311 outputs a switch signal used to detect theopen state of the ADU cover 310.

The front side interlock switch 302 is a safety switch for turning offan internal power supply when the front cover 300 is opened. The ADUside interlock switch 312 is a safety switch for turning off theinternal power supply when the ADU cover 310 is opened.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentembodiment, a “safety signal” detected when the front side interlockswitch 302 is turned off (cover open state) and a “safety signal”detected when the ADU side interlock switch 312 is turned off (coveropen state) are both input to a control section 810 (see FIG. 8) throughone signal line due to a circuit board structure. This is because of theconfigurational design convenience for such a model.

However, as a result of such a design choice, control section 810 cannotreadily determine whether it is the front cover 300 is in an open stateor the ADU cover 310 in an open state on the basis of only the safetysignal received via the control section 810. However, for convenience,the control section 810 determines that one of the covers is in an openstate whenever the safety signal is input. In other words, the safetysignal is preferentially assigned to an interlock switch of just onecover. That is, the safety signal received by the control section 810 isconsidered to indicate the opening of just one of the two possiblecovers without particular concern to the actual source of the safetysignal. In the present embodiment, the safety signal is preferentiallyassigned to the front side interlock switch 302. In other examples, thesafety signal may be preferentially assigned to the ADU side interlockswitch 312.

Here, a description will be made of a behavior of a user opening the ADUcover 310. The user standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100typically places his or her right hand on the operation lever 315. Theuser may open the ADU cover 310 by twisting the ADU cover 310. If theADU cover 310 is twisted to be opened, the front side (the ADU sideinterlock switch 312 side in FIG. 3C) of the ADU cover 310 when viewedfrom the user may be opened first, and the back side thereof (the ADUcover switch 311 side in FIG. 3C) when viewed from the user may beopened later. In other words, as a result of the ADU side interlockswitch 312 being turned off (open state), the safety signal may be inputfirst, and then the ADU cover switch 311 may be turned off (signal anopen state).

Thus, initially, only the safety signal alone may be input to thecontrol section 810 when the ADU cover 310 is opened. If only the safetysignal is input to the control section 810, since the safety signal hasbeen preferentially assigned to the front side interlock switch 302, thecontrol section 810 determines that the front side interlock switch 302is in an open state. Therefore, when no further control is performed,the image forming apparatus 100 may perform a notification that thefront cover 300 is in an open state when only the safety signal isreceived. In other words, when no further control is performed, theimage forming apparatus 100 may perform a notification that a cover(front cover 300) that is different from the cover (ADU cover 310)actually in the open state is in an open state.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a cover is opened, anotification of the open state of the cover is not immediatelyperformed, and thus an inappropriate notification is not performed.Hereinafter, details of a notification screen in which a notification ofan open state of the cover is not immediately performed will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anotification screen in which, when the front cover 300 is opened, thenotification of the open state is not immediately performed. FIG. 4includes image parts (A) to (I) that illustrate transitions (movingimages) of screens displayed on the display 110 in sequence or the like.Each of the images parts (A) to (I) is displayed for 0.5 seconds beforethe next image part is displayed. The series of images illustrated inFIG. 4 correspond to a front cover open user interface (UI) display.

When the front cover 300 is opened, open state non-notification screens,as illustrated image parts (A) to (C), indicating that neither of thecovers are in an open state are displayed for 1.5 seconds (0.5 seconds×3frames) in total. Thereafter, screens prompting the front cover 300 tobe closed, as illustrated in image parts (D) to (I) are displayed for 3seconds (0.5 seconds×6 frames) in total. Specifically, image parts (D)to (I) in FIG. 4 illustrate screens in which the degree of opening ofthe front cover 300 becomes lower in sequence. The series of screensillustrated in by image parts (D) to (I) is displayed five times in aloop.

Thereafter, for example, the screen (still image) illustrated in FIG. 4image part (D) is continuously displayed. The screen that issubsequently displayed at this point is not limited to the screenillustrated in FIG. 4, image part (D), and may be any screen or screensby which a notification of the open state of the front cover 300 can beperformed. For example, the looping series of screens illustrated inFIG. 4, image parts (D) to (I) may be continuously repeated.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anotification screen in which, when the ADU cover 310 is opened, thenotification of the open state is not immediately performed. FIG. 5illustrates image parts (A) to (I) illustrate transitions (movingimages) of screens displayed on the display 110. Each of the imagesparts (A) to (I) is displayed for 0.5 seconds before the next image partis displayed. The series of images illustrated in FIG. 5 correspond toan ADU cover open UI display.

When the ADU cover 310 is opened, screens corresponding to image parts(A) to (C) indicating that neither of the covers are in an open stateare displayed for 1.5 seconds (0.5 seconds×3 frames) in total.Thereafter, screens prompting the ADU cover 310 to be closed, as imageparts (D) to (I) of FIG. 5, are displayed for 3 seconds (0.5 seconds×6frames) in total. Specifically, image parts (D) to (I) in FIG. 5illustrate screens in which the degree of opening of the ADU cover 310becomes lower in sequence. The series of screens illustrated by imageparts (D) to (I) is displayed five times in a loop.

Thereafter, for example, the screen (still image) illustrated in FIG. 5,image part (D) is continuously displayed. The screen that issubsequently displayed at this point is not limited to the screenillustrated in FIG. 5, image part (D), and may be any screen or screensby which a notification of the open state of the ADU cover 310 can beperformed. For example, the looping series of screens illustrated inFIG. 5, image parts (D) to (I) may be continuously repeated.

Next, a description will be made of a notification when each cover ischanged from an open state to a closed state. Even when each cover isclosed, only the safety signal may be temporarily received by thecontrol section 810. Specifically, for example, when the ADU cover 310is changed from an open state to a closed state, the ADU cover switch311 is first turned on (indicating a closed state), and then the ADUside interlock switch 312 is turned on (indicating a closed state). Inother words, a semi-locked state may occur in which the safety signalmay still be input after the ADU cover switch 311 has already turned.This semi-locked state may exist until the ADU side interlock switch 312is finally turned on.

Therefore, when no further control is performed, a notification of anopen state of the front cover 300 may be performed since only the safetysignal (which has been preferentially as signed to the front cover 300opening) is being input during the semi-locked state. In other words,when no further control is performed, a notification of an open state ofthe front cover 300 may be erroneously performed despite it being theactual case that the ADU cover 310 is in an open state (moreparticularly, a semi-locked state).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the front cover 300 or theADU cover 310 is changed from an open state to a closed state, a presentnotification screen can be maintained fora certain period. Hereinafter,with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a description a notification screendisplayed for a certain period after a cover state change from open toclose is made.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anotification screen display for when the front cover 300 is changed froman open state to a closed state. For example, FIG. 6 image part (A)illustrates a screen similar to the screen (refer to FIG. 4, image part(D)) displayed after display of the series of screens illustrated inFIG. 4. The screen illustrated in FIG. 6 image part (A) is a screendisplayed when the front cover switch 301 is initially turned on(indicating the closed state) while the front side interlock switch 302is still turned off (indicating the open state).

The screen illustrated in FIG. 6 image part (A) is continuouslydisplayed until the front side interlock switch 302 is turned on(indicating the closed state). When this occurs, FIG. 6 image part (B)can be momentarily displayed. That is, when the front side interlockswitch 302 is finally turned on (indicating the closed state), thescreen illustrated in image part (A) is finished with display, and anormal screen (standby screen or the like) returns.

The screen illustrated in FIG. 6 image part (A) is continuouslydisplayed for up to 10 seconds while the front side interlock switch 302is still turned off (indicating the open state). When 10 seconds haselapsed with the front side interlock switch 302 still being turned off(indicating the open state), the image forming apparatus 100 can thendetermine that the ADU cover 310 may be in an open state. Therefore, asillustrated in FIG. 6 image part (C), a screen indicating that both offront cover 300 and ADU cover 310 are in an open state is displayed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anotification screen display for when the ADU cover 310 is changed froman open state to a closed state. For example, FIG. 7 image part (A)illustrates a screen similar to the screen (refer to FIG. 5 image part(D)) displayed after display of the series of screens illustrated inFIG. 5. The screen illustrated in FIG. 7 image part (A) is a screendisplayed the ADU cover switch 311 is initially turned on (indicatingthe closed state) while the ADU side interlock switch 312 is stillturned off (indicating the open state).

The screen illustrated in FIG. 7 image part (A) is continuouslydisplayed until the ADU side interlock switch 312 is turned on(indicating the closed state). When this occurs, FIG. 7 image part (B)can be momentarily displayed. That is, when the ADU side interlockswitch 312 is turned on (indicating the closed state), the screenillustrated in FIG. 7 image part (A) is finished with display, and anormal screen (standby screen or the like) returns.

The screen illustrated in FIG. 7 image part (A) can be continuouslydisplayed for up to 10 seconds while the ADU side interlock switch 312is still turned off (indicating the open state). When 10 seconds haselapsed with the ADU side interlock switch 312 still being turned off(indicating the open state), the image forming apparatus 100 can thendetermine that the front cover 300 may be in the open state. Therefore,as illustrated in FIG. 7 image part (C), a screen indicating that bothof the front cover 300 and the ADU cover 310 are in an open state isdisplayed.

Next, a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 willbe described with reference to FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, theimage forming apparatus 100 includes the display 110, the front sideinterlock switch 302, the front cover switch 301, the ADU side interlockswitch 312, the ADU cover switch 311, and a first input section 811, asecond input section 812, a third input section 813, a control section810, and a power supply section 820.

In the present embodiment, the first opening/closing portion is thefront cover 300 and the second opening/closing portion is the ADU cover310, but the covers may be reversed in other examples. In other words,the first opening/closing portion may be the ADU cover 310 and thesecond opening/closing portion may be the front cover 300.

The first input section 811, the second input section 812, and the thirdinput section 813 are, for example, input terminals disposed on acircuit board or the like. The first input section 811 is connected tothe front cover switch 301 on a one-to-one basis via a first signal line821. The second input section 812 is connected to the ADU cover switch311 on a one-to-one basis via a second signal line 822. The third inputsection 813 is connected to the front side interlock switch 302 and theADU side interlock switch 312 on a one-to-two basis via a third signalline 823. In other words, the third input section 813 receives a signalfrom the two connected switches via just one signal line (moreparticularly, the third signal line 823).

A detection result of the front cover switch 301 is input to the firstinput section 811. Specifically, a first signal for a notification of anopen state of the front cover 300 is input to the first input section811. The first signal is, for example, a signal indicating open andclosed states of the front cover 300, and includes, specifically, asignal indicating an open state of the front cover 300 and a signalindicating a closed state of the front cover 300. Hereinafter, the firstsignal will be referred to as a “front cover switch (SW) signal”.

A detection result of the ADU cover switch 311 is input to the secondinput section 812. Specifically, a second signal for a notification ofan open state of the ADU cover 310 is input to the second input section812. The second signal is, for example, a signal indicating open andclosed states of the ADU cover 310, and includes, specifically, a signalindicating an open state of the ADU cover 310 and a signal indicating aclosed state of the ADU cover 310. Hereinafter, the second signal willbe referred to as an “ADU cover SW signal”.

Detection results of the front side interlock switch 302 and the ADUside interlock switch 312 are input to the third input section 813.Specifically, the third input section 813 receives a third signal forinterrupting the power supply to the apparatus (e.g., disconnect or turnoff power supply section 820) when either the front cover 300 or the ADUcover 310 is in an open state. The third signal includes, for example, asafety signal indicating that at least one of the front cover 300 andthe ADU cover 310 is in open state and a signal indicating that bothcovers are in a closed state. Hereinafter, the third signal will bereferred to as an “interlock SW signal”.

The power supply section 820 supplies power to various motors, and driveunits such as the image forming unit 20 and the fixing device 40. Thecontrol section 810 interrupts the power supply of the power supplysection 820 if the safety signal is input to the third input section813. The control section 810 is an example of a notification controller.

The control section 810 performs a notification of an open state of thefront cover 300 and/or the ADU cover 310 on the basis of the front coverSW signal, the ADU cover SW signal, and the interlock SW signal. Adescription will be made of the notifications of the open state of thefront cover 300 and the ADU cover 310 performed by the control section810.

If any one of the front cover SW signal, the ADU cover SW signal, andthe interlock SW signal indicates an open state, the control section 810does not immediately perform a notification of the open state of frontcover 300 or ADU cover 310. The control section 810 waits for apredetermined period to elapse before performing the notification. Forexample, in the present embodiment, if both of the front cover SW signaland the ADU cover SW signal indicate a closed state and the interlock SWsignal indicates an open state, the control section 810 does not performa notification of an open state of the front cover 300 or the ADU cover310 before the predetermined period elapses. Also, the control section810 does not perform a notification of an open state of the front cover300 or the ADU cover 310 before a predetermined period elapses if thefront cover SW signal indicates an open state or if the ADU cover SWsignal indicates an open state. Hereinafter, delaying a notification ofan open state of the front cover 300 or the ADU cover 310 for apredetermined period after an initial detection event may be referred toas “non-notification control”.

In the present embodiment, the control section 810 performs thisnon-notification control if any one of the front cover SW signal, theADU cover SW signal, or the interlock SW signal indicates an open state.In other words, the control section 810 performs the non-notificationcontrol when either the front cover SW signal or the ADU cover SW signalindicates an open state regardless of whether or not the interlock SWsignal also indicates an open state. Specifically, if either one of thefront cover SW signal or the interlock SW signal indicates an openstate, the control section 810 displays the front cover open UI displayillustrated in FIG. 4. If just the ADU cover SW signal indicates an openstate, the control section 810 performs the ADU cover open UI displayillustrated in FIG. 5.

However, in some examples, the control section 810 need not performnon-notification control if either the front cover SW signal or the ADUcover SW signal indicates an open state. That is, if, for example, theADU cover switch 311 is turned off (indicating the ADU cover 310 isopen) earlier than the ADU side interlock switch 312, the controlsection 810 may not display the open state non-notification screen(refer to FIG. 5, image parts (A) to (C)), but may rather display theseries of screens illustrated in FIG. 5, image parts (D) to (I).

In the present embodiment, the predetermined period for which anotification of an open cover state is not performed is 1.5 seconds(refer to FIG. 4, image parts (A) to (C) and FIG. 5, image parts (A) to(C)). In general, this predetermined non-notification period is selectedto be a time somewhat longer than an expected time difference between acover switch and an interlock switch signaling of an open cover statewhen a cover is opened by a user. More specifically, the predeterminednon-notification period may be, for example, a period slightly longerthan the time lag between when both the ADU side interlock switch 312side is opened and the ADU cover switch 311 side is opened during anormal user opening of the ADU cover 310. The predeterminednon-notification period is not limited to 1.5 seconds and may be set toany time.

Next, a notification after elapse of a predetermined non-notificationperiod will be described. If either the front cover SW signal or the ADUcover SW signal has indicated an open cover state during thepredetermined non-notification period, the control section 810 performsa notification of an open state according to either the front cover SWsignal or the ADU cover SW signal after the elapsing of thepredetermined non-notification period. For example, the control section810 performs a notification of an open state of the front cover 300 if,at some point during the predetermined non-notification period, thefront cover SW signal indicates an open state. Similarly, the controlsection 810 performs a notification of an ADU cover 310 open state afterthe elapsing of the predetermined non-notification period if the ADUcover SW signal indicates an open state during the predeterminednon-notification period.

Thus, in the present embodiment, a notification of an open cover statecan be performed according to either the front cover SW signal or theADU cover SW signal after the elapse of the predeterminednon-notification period (for example, approximately 1.5 seconds), butalso such a notification may be performed before the elapse of thepredetermined period in some situations. For example, the controlsection 810 may perform a notification of an open state whenever eitherthe front cover SW signal or the ADU cover SW signal indicates an opencover state if the ADU cover switch 311 is initially turned on(indicating a closed state) when the open state non-notification screenof the front cover open UI (refer to FIG. 4) is being displayed. Morespecifically, the series of screens illustrated in FIG. 5, image parts(D) to (I) may be displayed when the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off(indicating an open cover state).

If both of the front cover SW signal and the ADU cover SW signalindicate an open cover state at some point during the predeterminednon-notification period, a notification that both of the covers are openmay be performed after the elapse of the predetermined non-notificationperiod. Specifically, after the open state non-notification screen inthe front cover open UI (refer to FIG. 4) has been displayed, a screen(refer to FIG. 6 image part (C)) indicating that both of the front cover300 and the ADU cover 310 are in an open state may be displayed.

The notification performed by the control section 810 is, for example, anotification using a screen on the display 110. However, thisnotification may include a notification performed by outputting a voiceor sound from a sound output section (e.g., a speaker), or may include anotification performed by turning on a predetermined signal lamp on thecontrol panel 120.

Next, a specific example of the non-notification control will bedescribed. The control section 810 does not indicate either front cover300 or ADU cover 310 is in an open state during a predeterminednon-notification period. Specifically, the control section 810 displaysthe open state non-notification screen (refer to FIG. 4, image parts (A)to (C) and FIG. 5, image parts (A) to (C)) during the predeterminednon-notification period. However, a screen displayed during thepredetermined non-notification period is not limited to such specificscreens, and may be, for example, a normal standby screen or a screen onwhich text such as “Wait” is displayed.

In non-notification control, for example, a screen (refer to FIG. 6image (C)) indicating that all the covers are in an open state could bedisplayed as temporary warning/advisory screen. However, if this isdone, there may be a notification to the user that a cover is in an openstate even though at least one of the covers is not actually in the openstate. Thus, a user may try to close a cover that is not presently open,which is not an appropriate notification.

Next, a description will be made of a notification when each cover ischanged from an open state to a closed state. After a first notificationof an open state of front cover 300 has been performed, the controlsection 810 continues the first notification if the front cover SWsignal indicates a closed state and the interlock SW signal stillindicates an open state. The first notification corresponds to, forexample, the screen illustrated in FIG. 6 image part (A).

After a second notification of an open state of the ADU cover 310 hasbeen performed, the control section 810 continues the secondnotification if the ADU cover SW signal indicates a closed state and theinterlock SW signal still indicates an open state. The secondnotification corresponds to, for example, the screen illustrated in FIG.7 image part (A).

If the interlock SW signal indicates an open state during a certainperiod (for example, 10 seconds) after either the first notification orthe second notification has been shown, the control section 810 performsa third notification that both front cover 300 and ADU cover 310 are inan open state. The third notification corresponds to, for example,either of the screen illustrated in FIG. 6 image part (C) or the screenillustrated in FIG. 7 image part (C).

The certain period may be, for example, at least a period longer thanthe time lag between both of when the ADU cover switch 311 side is firstclosed and the ADU side interlock switch 312 side is closed after theADU cover 310. More specifically, the certain period may be a timelonger than the time for which the interlock SW signal is expected toindicate a closed state after either the front cover SW signal or theADU cover SW signal initially indicates the closed state during normaluser opening/closing of the covers. The certain period is not limited to10 seconds and may be set to any time.

The control section 810 is realized by, for example, a centralprocessing unit (CPU). In other words, the function of the controlsection 810 is realized by the CPU executing a program. The processaccording to the present embodiment is not limited to being performed bythe CPU executing a program. For example, the process according to thepresent embodiment may be performed by using hardware (e.g., dedicatedcircuit sections or circuitry) such as a large-scale integration (LSI),an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processaccording to the present embodiment may be performed by software andhardware in cooperation. Notification Process Performed by Image FormingApparatus 100 When Cover Is Brought into Open State

Next, a description will be made of an example of a notification processperformed by the image forming apparatus 100 when a cover is opened withreference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example ofthe notification process performed by the image forming apparatus 100when a cover is opened. The process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.9 is assumed to be running at all times (or periodically at a very shorttime interval) in the image forming apparatus 100 when powered on. Inthe following flowchart, for simplification of the description, a casewhere the front cover 300 and the ADU cover 310 are in an open statetogether will be omitted from the specific description, but, in general,such related processing combines the described processing for theindividual opening of these covers.

The present description assumes a priority is placed one of the coveropen UI displays (either a front cover open UI display or ADU cover openUI display) when any switch (the front cover switch 301, the ADU coverswitch 311, and the interlock switches) is turned off (indicating acover open state). The cover open UI display having the highest priorityin this example is the front cover open UI display when the front coverswitch 301 is turned off (indicating a cover open state). The cover openUI display having the second highest priority in this example is the ADUcover open UI display when the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off(indicating a cover open state). The cover open UI display having thelowest priority is the front cover open UI display when to the interlockswitch is turned off.

In FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not thefront cover switch 301 is turned off (cover open state) (ACT 901). Ifthe front cover switch 301 is turned off (ACT 901: YES), the imageforming apparatus 100 proceeds to ACT 904. If the front cover switch 301is not turned off (ACT 901: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 nextdetermines whether the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off (cover openstate) (ACT 902).

If the ADU cover switch 311 is not turned off (ACT 902: NO), that is, ifthe ADU cover 310 is closed, the image forming apparatus 100 nextdetermines whether an interlock switch (either one of the front sideinterlock switch 302 or the ADU side interlock switch 312) is turned off(cover open state) (ACT 903).

If no interlock switch is turned off (ACT 903: NO), that is, if bothcovers are closed, the image forming apparatus 100 finishes the process.On the other hand, if an interlock switch is turned off (ACT 903: YES),the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whether the front coveropen UI display (refer to FIG. 4) is presently being performed (ACT904). If the front cover open UI display is already being performed (ACT904: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 finishes the process.

If the front cover open UI display is not being performed in ACT 904(ACT 904: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 then performs the frontcover open UI display on the display 110 (ACT 905) and finishes theseries of processes. The open state non-notification screen (refer toFIG. 4, image parts (A) to (C)) is displayed for 1.5 seconds when thefront cover open UI display is initially performed.

Since the safety signal is preferentially assigned to the front sideinterlock switch 302, if only the interlock switch is turned off(indicating a cover open state) (ACT 901: NO, ACT 902: NO and ACT 903:YES), the front cover open UI display is performed.

In ACT 902, if the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off (indicating acover open state) (ACT 902: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 nextdetermines whether the front cover open UI display (refer to FIG. 4) ispresently being performed (due to only the interlock switch being turnedoff) (ACT 906). The front cover open UI display in ACT 906 is the coveropen UI display having the lowest priority. In ACT 906, the open statenon-notification screen (refer to FIG. 4, image parts (A) to (C)) isdisplayed for the 1.5 seconds when the front cover open UI display isinitially performed.

If the front cover open UI display (for example, the open statenon-notification screen) is not already being performed in ACT 906 (ACT906: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whether or notthe ADU cover open UI (refer to FIG. 5) is presently being displayed(ACT 907). If the ADU cover open UI display is being performed (ACT 907:YES), the image forming apparatus 100 finishes the series of processes.

On the other hand, if the ADU cover open UI display is not beingperformed (ACT 907: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 performs theADU cover open UI display on the display 110 (ACT 908) and finishes theseries of processes. If the front cover open UI display (for example,the open state non-notification screen) is being performed in ACT 906(ACT 906: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to ACT 908 soas to perform the ADU cover open UI display on the display 110, andfinishes the series of processes.

When the ADU cover open UI display in ACT 908 is performed after thefront cover open UI display in ACT 906 is finished, the open statenon-notification screen is displayed at the beginning of the ADU coveropen UI display (refer to FIG. 5, image parts (A) to (C)), and is thusdisplayed for a maximum of 1.5 seconds (0.5 seconds×3 frames).Therefore, if an open state non-notification screen (refer to FIG. 4,image parts (A) to (C)) is displayed for the front cover open UI displaythat was previously performed, an open state non-notification screen maybe displayed for a maximum of 3.0 seconds (0.5 seconds×6 frames).

If the ADU cover open UI display is performed after the front cover openUI display has finished, since the open state non-notification screenwas already displayed in the front cover open UI display, the open statenon-notification screen need not be displayed at the beginning of theADU cover open UI display. In order to prevent the open statenon-notification screen from being displayed again, data regarding anADU cover open UI display that does not include the open statenon-notification screen(s) may be prepared in advance. If the flowproceeds from ACT 906 to ACT 908, the image forming apparatus 100 mayperform the ADU cover open UI display indicated by such data in ACT 908.

The priority of cover open UI display when each switch is turned offwill be further described. The front cover open UI display (hereinafterreferred to as “first UI display”) due to the front cover switch 301being turned off is performed if the front cover switch 301 is turnedoff (cover open) as illustrated in the process flow of ACT 901: YES toACT 904 then ACT 905. In other words, the first UI display is performedwhether or not the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off and whether or notthe interlock switch is turned off. Thus, the processing of ACT 902 andACT 903 need not be performed. Thus, the first UI display (as triggeredby front cover switch 301) is the cover open UI display having thehighest priority in this context since the other switch states are notevaluated before display of the first UI display.

As illustrated in process flow of ACT 901: NO to ACT 902: NO to ACT 908,the ADU cover open UI display (hereinafter referred to as “second UIdisplay”) as triggered by the ADU cover switch 311 being turned off isthe next highest priority cover open UI display. In other words, thesecond UI display is performed whenever the ADU cover switch 311indicates a cover open state and the front cover switch 301 does notindicate a cover open state. The second UI display can be performedwithout it being determined whether the interlock switch in ACT 903 isturned off or not. Thus, the second UI display is cover open UI displayhaving the second highest priority after the first UI display.

As illustrated in process flow of ACT 901: NO to ACT 902: NO to ACT 903:YES to ACT 904: NO to ACT 905, the front cover open UI display(hereinafter referred to as “third UI display”) triggered by theinterlock switch being turned off when both the front cover switch 301and the ADU cover switch 311 are still turned on (indicating a coverclosed state) is the next (third) highest priority in this context. Inother words, the third UI display is not performed if either the frontcover switch 301 or the ADU cover switch 311 is turned off (cover open).Thus, the third UI display is cover open UI display having the lowestpriority. Notification Process Performed by Image Forming Apparatus 100When A Cover Is Changed from Open to Closed

Next, a description will be made of an example of a notification processperformed by the image forming apparatus 100 when a cover is changedfrom an open state to a closed state with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating an example of the notification processperformed by the image forming apparatus 100 when a cover is changedfrom an open state to a closed state. The process illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 10 is assumed to be running at all times (or at leastperiodically at a very short time interval) in the image formingapparatus 100. In the following flowchart, for simplification of thedescription, a case where the front cover 300 and the ADU cover 310 areboth in an open state together will be omitted, but, in general, suchprocessing combines the individual processing associated with theindividual states.

In FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 100 first determines whether thefront cover open UI display (for example, the still image in FIG. 4image part (D)) is presently being performed (ACT 1001). If the frontcover open UI display is being performed (ACT 1001: YES), the imageforming apparatus 100 next determines whether the front cover switch 301is turned on (indicating a cover closed state) (ACT 1002). If the frontcover switch 301 is not turned on (ACT 1002: NO), the image formingapparatus 100 proceeds to ACT 1004.

On the other hand, if the front cover switch 301 is turned on (ACT 1002:YES), the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whether aninterlock switch (either one of the front side interlock switch 302 orthe ADU side interlock switch 312) is turned off (indicating a coveropen state) (ACT 1003).

If the interlock switch is turned off (ACT 1003: YES), the image formingapparatus 100 continuously performs the front cover open UI display (ACT1004) and finishes the series of processes. In other words, for asemi-locked state in which the front cover switch 301 side of the frontcover 300 is first closed and then the front side interlock switch 302side is opened, the image forming apparatus 100 continuously performsthe front cover open UI display.

On the other hand, if the interlock switch is not turned off (ACT 1003:NO), that is, if both of the interlock switches are turned on(indicating cover closed state), the image forming apparatus 100 thendetermines whether the ADU cover switch 311 is turned on (cover closedstate) (ACT 1005). If the ADU cover switch 311 is not turned on (ACT1005: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 next performs the ADU coveropen UI display (ACT 1006) and finishes the process. If the ADU coverswitch 311 is turned off (ACT 1005: NO), the image forming apparatus 100displays a standby screen (ACT 1007) and finishes the series ofprocesses.

If the front cover open UI display is not being performed in ACT 1001(ACT 1001: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whetherthe ADU cover open UI display (for example, the still image in FIG. 5image part (D)) is presently being performed (ACT 1008). If the ADUcover open UI display is not being performed (ACT 1008: NO), the imageforming apparatus 100 proceeds to ACT 1007 and displays a standbyscreen.

On the other hand, if the ADU cover open UI display is being performed(ACT 1008: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whetherthe ADU cover switch 311 is turned on (indicating a cover closed state)(ACT 1009). If the ADU cover switch 311 is not turned on (ACT 1009: NO),the image forming apparatus 100 continuously performs the ADU cover openUI display (ACT 1010) and finishes the process.

On the other hand, if the ADU cover switch 311 is turned on (ACT 1009:YES), the image forming apparatus 100 next determines whether theinterlock switch (either one of the front side interlock switch 302 orthe ADU side interlock switch 312) is turned off (indicating a coveropen state) (ACT 1011).

If an interlock switch is turned off (ACT 1011: YES), the image formingapparatus 100 performs the front cover open UI display (ACT 1012) andfinishes the series of processes.

On the other hand, if an interlock switch is not turned off (ACT 1011:NO), that is, if both of the switches are turned on (indicating coverclosed state), the image forming apparatus 100 then proceeds to ACT 1007so as to display a standby screen, and finishes the series of processes.

In the above-described embodiment, if any one of the front cover switch301, the ADU cover switch 311, and the interlock switches (302 and 312)indicates an open state, a notification of an open state of the frontcover 300 or the ADU cover 310 is not performed before a predeterminednon-notification period (1.5 seconds) elapses. Specifically, in thepresent embodiment, if both of the front cover switch 301 and the ADUcover switch 311 indicate a closed state but an interlock switch (302 or312) indicates an open state, a notification of an open state of thefront cover 300 and the ADU cover 310 is delayed for a predeterminednon-notification period (e.g., 1.5 seconds). Consequently, if only aninterlock switch (either 302 or 312, which share a common signal line)indicates an open state, a notification that a cover (for example, thefront cover 300) preferentially assigned to the safety signal is in anopen state may not be performed initially. Specifically, when the ADUcover 310 is opened, if the ADU side interlock switch 312 is turned off(indicating a cover open) before the ADU cover switch 311, a user can beprevented from seeing wrong notification information, such as mistakenlynotifying the user that the front cover 300 is in an open state when itis the ADU cover 310 which is being opened. Therefore, an appropriatenotification can be performed and thus a user can be prevented beingmisinformed of an open state of a particular cover.

In the present embodiment, if one of the front cover switch 301 and theADU cover switch 311 still indicates an open state after 1.5 seconds ofthe open state non-notification screen (e.g., FIG. 4, image parts (A) to(C)) being displayed, a notification of an open cover state according tothe particular switch (or switches) indicating the open state is thenperformed. Therefore, for example, even if the front cover open UIdisplay (FIG. 4) starts to be performed, the display can be replacedwith the ADU cover open UI display (FIG. 5). Consequently, anotification that a cover is in an open state can be appropriatelyperformed.

In the present embodiment, a notification that either the front cover300 or the ADU cover 310 is in an open state can be delayed by using theopen state non-notification screen (e.g., FIG. 4, image parts (A) to(C)), which actually part of a series of open state notification screenstriggered by a switch opening (indicating an open cover state).

In the present embodiment, if the first notification (refer to FIG. 6image part (A)) indicating an open state of the front cover 300 is beingperformed, and then the front cover switch 301 indicates a closed statebut an open state of an interlock switch is continued, the firstnotification is continued. If the second notification indicating an openstate of the ADU cover 310 is being performed, and then the ADU coverswitch 311 indicates a closed state but an open state of an interlockswitch is continued, the second notification (refer to FIG. 7(A)) iscontinued. Consequently, for the semi-locked state when the ADU cover310 is closed, a notification that the front cover 300 (whichpreferentially assigned to the safety signal) is in an open state can beprevented from being performed. Specifically, an inappropriatenotification can be prevented, such as notifying that the front cover300 is in an open state when the ADU cover 310 is in the semi-lockedstate. Therefore, an appropriate notification can be performed and thusa user can be prevented from being misinformed of an open state of acover.

If either the first notification or the second notification iscontinued, and then an interlock switch indicates an open state during acertain period, a third notification that both of the front cover 300and the ADU cover 310 are in an open state can be performed.Consequently, if the image forming apparatus 100 cannot determine whichparticular cover is in an open state, the image forming apparatus 100can prompt a user to close both of the covers.

The functions of the image forming apparatus 100 may be realized by acomputer implementing a software program or the like. In this case, aprogram for realizing the functions may be recorded on a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read andexecuted by a computer or a computer system. Here, a “computer system”includes an operating system (OS) and additional hardware such asperipheral devices. A “computer readable recording medium” refers to aportable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM,or a CD-ROM, or an internal storage device such as a hard disk. The“computer readable recording medium” may an external storage device suchas an external disk drive, a server, a cloud-based storage device, orthe like accessible by a communication line permitting the program to betransmitted and/or operated through a network such as the Internet or acommunication line such as a telephone line. The program may comprisemodular programs for realizing some of the above-described functionsand/or may be a program for realizing the above-described functions incombination with a program or programs already recorded in the computersystem.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: acontroller having a first input terminal configured to receive a firstsignal indicating a state of a first opening/closing portion, a secondinput terminal configured to receive a second signal indicating a stateof a second opening/closing portion, and a third input terminalconfigured to receive a third signal indicating a state of the firstopening/closing portion and the second opening/closing portion, whereinthe controller is configured to delay a first notification of an openstate of the first opening/closing portion and a second notification ofan open state of the second opening/closing portion for a predeterminedperiod after any one of the first signal, second signal, or third signalinitially indicates an open state.
 2. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein if one of the first signal and the secondsignal indicates an open state during the predetermined period, thecontroller is configured to perform the first notification or the secondnotification according to the one of the first signal and the secondsignal that indicates the open state during the predetermined period. 3.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein neither thefirst notification of an open state the first opening/closing portionnor the second notification of an open state of the secondopening/closing portion is performed during the predetermined period. 4.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controlleris configured to: continue the first notification if the first signalindicates a closed state and the third signal indicates an open stateafter the first notification has been started, and continue the secondnotification if the second signal indicates the closed state and thethird signal indicates the open state after the second notification hasbeen started.
 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,wherein the controller is further configured to perform a thirdnotification indicating that both the first opening/closing portion andthe second opening/closing portion are in an open state if the thirdsignal indicates the open state within a certain time period aftereither the first notification or the second notification has beencontinued.
 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe first opening/closing portion is a front cover.
 7. The image formingapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second opening/closingportion is an auto-duplex unit cover.
 8. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the second opening/closing portion is anauto-duplex unit cover.
 9. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the third signal is generated by either of a firstinterlock switch on the first opening/closing portion or a secondinterlock switch on the second opening/closing portion.
 10. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and secondinterlock switches share a single signal line connected to the thirdinput terminal.
 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,wherein the third signal is for triggering a power supply interrupt ofthe image forming apparatus.
 12. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a display screen configured to displayimages to a user, wherein the controller is configured to performnotifications as a series pre-stored images on the display screen. 13.The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the delay inthe first notification is provided as a series of non-notificationimages, and the first notification is provided as a series ofnotification images after the series of non-notification images.
 14. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the delay in thesecond notification is provided as a series of non-notification images,and the second notification is provided as a series of notificationimages after the series of non-notification images.
 15. An image formingapparatus, comprising: a first cover configured to cover a first portionof a main body; a first cover switch configured to provide a firstsignal indicating a state of the first cover; a first interlock switchconfigured to provide a first interlock signal indicating a state of thefirst cover; a second cover covering a second portion of the main body;a second cover switch configured to provide a second signal indicating astate of the second cover; a second interlock switch configured toprovide a second interlock signal indicating a state of the secondcover; and a controller having a first input terminal configured toreceive the first signal, a second input terminal configured to receivethe second signal, and a third input terminal configured to receive thefirst interlock signal and the second interlock signal in anundifferentiated manner, wherein the controller is configured to delay afirst notification of an open state of the first cover and a secondnotification of an open state of the second cover for a predeterminedperiod after any one of the first signal, second signal, the firstinterlock signal, or the second interlock signal initially indicates anopen state.
 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15,wherein if one of the first signal and the second signal indicates anopen state during the predetermined period, the controller is configuredto perform the first notification or the second notification accordingto the one of the first signal and the second signal that indicates theopen state during the predetermined period.
 17. The image formingapparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a display screenconfigured to display images to a user, wherein the controller isconfigured to perform notifications as a series pre-stored images on thedisplay screen.
 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the delay in the first notification is provided as a series ofnon-notification images, the first notification is provided as a seriesof notification images after the series of non-notification images, thedelay in the second notification is provided as a series ofnon-notification images, and the second notification is provided as aseries of notification images after the series of non-notificationimages.
 19. A control method for an image forming apparatus including acontroller with a first input terminal configured to receive a firstsignal indicating a state of a first opening/closing portion, a secondinput terminal configured to receive a second signal indicating a stateof a second opening/closing portion, and a third input terminalconfigured to receive a third signal indicating a state of the firstopening/closing portion and the second opening/closing portion, thecontrol method comprising: delaying a first notification of an openstate of the first opening/closing portion and a second notification ofan open state of the second opening/closing portion for a predeterminedperiod after any one of the first signal, second signal, or third signalinitially indicates an open state.
 20. The control method according toclaim 19, further comprising: performing the first notification or thesecond notification according to one of the first signal and the secondsignal that indicates the open state during the predetermined period ifthe one of the first signal and the second signal indicates an openstate during the predetermined period.